F1 Legend Jenson Button Transforms His Life: From Racing Champion to Hyrox Warrior!
In a stunning twist that has left fans buzzing, Jenson Button, the celebrated 2009 Formula One World Champion, is embracing a new athletic challenge that has him pushing his limits like never before! After hanging up his iconic race suit post-2017 and wrapping up his stint in the World Endurance Championship, Button is diving headfirst into the grueling world of Hyrox—a sport that combines intense fitness racing with the relentless spirit of competition.
What on Earth is Hyrox, you ask? Brace yourself! This isn’t your typical jog in the park. Hyrox is an adrenaline-pumping fitness race that consists of eight punishing exercise stations, each separated by a 1-kilometer run—an 8-kilometer test of sheer endurance and strength. Participants must conquer a series of daunting challenges including a 1000-meter Ski Erg, a 50-meter Sled Push, 50-meter Sled Pull, 80-meter Burpee Broad Jumps, 1000-meter Row, 200-meter Farmers Carry, 100 Sandbag Lunges, and 100 Wall Balls. Yes, you read that right—Wall Balls! This is not for the faint-hearted.
Button, who recently competed in his first Hyrox race in Anaheim, California, has been candid about the drastic changes he’s made to adapt to this merciless sport. “After F1, I didn’t go professional with triathlon,” he shared, reflecting on his journey. “I went to the world championship after qualifying for my age group in the 70.3 Ironman. I really enjoyed it, but the training was just too intense and far too many hours.” With young kids and a busy life, he sought a more manageable yet equally challenging alternative.
Enter Hyrox, a revelation for the former racing star! “The training sessions are a lot shorter—unbelievably intense—and it just worked really well for me,” Button explained, revealing his impressive times of 1:11:43 and 1:08:47 in recent competitions. He’s not just enjoying this new path; he’s wholeheartedly committed. “I’m all in on Hyrox. I’ve done one singles race, which was fun. Happy until I got to the wall balls, which was embarrassing,” he admitted with a chuckle, highlighting his struggle with ankle flexibility and his less-than-stellar glutes.
But here’s the kicker: to compete in this grueling sport that demands not just endurance but also significant muscle mass, Button has gone through a remarkable transformation—he’s actually gained weight! “I have loved putting weight on,” he confessed. “It’s not been easy because I’ve been skinny my whole life.” Previously racing at 70kg or less, he now tips the scales at 81kg, sporting less fat than before. “It’s been a really fun process. I feel so much better and more invigorated from doing weight training,” Button enthused, emphasizing the positive change in his physique and overall well-being.
From the high-speed circuits of F1 to the punishing tracks of Hyrox, Jenson Button is rewriting the narrative of what it means to be an athlete in retirement. As he navigates this new realm of competition, he’s proving that the spirit of a champion never truly fades—it simply evolves. So, what’s next for this racing icon turned fitness aficionado? The road ahead is as thrilling as any Grand Prix, and fans can’t wait to see what's in store for the man who never stops challenging himself!








